Inflammatory bronchial polyps associated with asthma: resolution with inhaled corticosteroid

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Allergy and Immunology

Background:

• Inflammatory polyps in the bronchi can cause respiratory symptoms.
• Asthma is a common comorbidity associated with eosinophilic airway inflammation.

Observation:

• A 50-year-old male presented with cough and sputum, revealing an endobronchial polyp.
• Six years later, the patient developed asthma, and a second polyp was identified.
• The initial polyp remained unchanged endoscopically and histologically.

Findings:

• Inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (200 micrograms b.i.d.) resolved asthma symptoms.
• Both bronchial polyps regressed and disappeared after one year of inhaled corticosteroid treatment.

Implications:

• Inhaled corticosteroids offer a noninvasive and safe treatment for inflammatory bronchial polyps.
• This approach is particularly promising for patients with coexisting asthma or small, non-urgent polyps.